The 15 gardens range from large established country gardens (some over 50 years old), to young, recently planted gardens in villages and on smallholdings, all in a setting of great natural beauty an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

A number of gardens will have plants for sale , and some such as Keurbos, Fairholme and Fresh Woods will be offering unusual and interesting plants difficult to find elsewhere, such as Japanese maples, rhododendrons and other choice perennials, trees and shrubs.

Many gardens are also offering teas and light meals , in addition to the many other restaurants and food gardens in the area.

The local charity Siphila Sonke, will be serving teas and lunches at Keurbos Nursery Garden and at Carmel Farm , both on the Highlands Rd.

On the Open Days, they will always be available in the Elgin area at Sithanda Nursery, Peregrine Farm Stall and the Orchard Farm Stall.

See images below...

This is the 17th year of the Elgin Open Gardens charity fundraising scheme.

So far the winter rains have filled most of our smaller dams, and with our heavier, cooler, wetter soils we think we have survived the drought better than most.

We continue to be vigilant in not wasting water, and many of us have adapted our plantings for a drier future. Luckily our present and past farmers had the foresight to build dams to secure their futures, and we are grateful to them for that, and these enable us to grow a wider range of plants than most for our pleasure and your enjoyment.

Note:

Most gardens do not allow dogs. Please ask the owner’s permission before you bring yours.

All gardens are giving a proportion of their takings to charities of their choice.

For more information:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wakkerstroom will be holding its second Open Gardens and Rose Show on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of November.

This year, the “Market @ the Corner” will be held together with the open gardens and rose show.

The market, on Saturday the 10th will include artisan stalls, craft gin, live music, delicious foods, entertainment for children, including a puppet show and face painting, to mention a few.

The theme is “artisan foods” and “going back to basics”, including organic and mindful living and picnicking in the gardens to enjoy your purchases.

The market will be held at the premises of The Garret, spilling over into the Red Building, on van Riebeeck Street, through the gardens of both premises and will flow into the pretty garden of the new Thyme Out restaurant.

The Rose Show will be open to the public and visitors on Saturday 10th November from 11h00 onwards for viewing, at Runnymede Iris Farm, 247 Uys Street, Wakkerstroom.

Three rose judges will judge the show: Sheenagh Harris, Chairperson of the Knysna Rose Society, assisted by Gill Wilson and Gail Birss of the Midlands Rose Society.

Prize-giving will be held at Runnymede Iris Farm, on Saturday 10th November, at 16h00.

There will be a few talks ranging from roses, organic gardening and mindful gardening, included in your ticket price.

Twelve Open Gardens

Visitors will be able to wander around 12 open gardens.

Entrance fee: R50 per person, which includes access to all gardens, the rose show and short, informative talks.

Tickets, programs and a map indicating the various venues and gardens will be on sale at two outlets in town from Saturday morning, the 10th November.

Accommodation in Wakkerstroom

Should you wish to stay in Wakkerstroom for the event, please look at the website: www.wakkerstroom.co.za for accommodation, ranging from cosy self-catering cottages, bed and breakfasts, the Country Inn, and camping at two venues.

For more info: Contact Claudine on email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 083 347 2770/ 017 730 0316.